Joshua J. Kantaris

Joshua James Kantaris, 33, of Mason City, died Thursday, March 4, 2010 at home. Funeral services will be held 10:00 AM Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at the Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, 1311 2nd Street NE, with Rev. Joseph Mirowski officiating. Interment will be in Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 PM Monday at the Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church. A Trisagion service will be held at 6:00 PM. Memorials may be given to the Joshua J. Kantaris Memorial Fund.

Joshua was born February 24, 1977 in Mason City the son of Robert and MariaElena (Despenas) Kantaris. Joshua graduated from North Central Manly High School in 1995. While in high school, he played Hockey for the Mason City Mohawks. After graduating, he attended North Iowa Area Community College. Joshua then served in the US Marine Corp. for 4 years. Upon returning to Mason City, he followed in his grand fathers footsteps and went to work in the family business, Midwest Construction Company, where he was currently employed. Joshua was a member of the Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church. Some of his interests included softball, music, boating, biking, cooking and following the Iowa Hawkeyes. With a keen sense of humor, Joshua always made time for children and was a cancer survivor.

Joshua is survived by his mother, MariaElena OHandley and husband P.K. of Cedar Falls; father, Robert L. Kantaris of Mason City; brothers, Zane Kantaris and wife Angela of Mason City and Quentin Kantaris of Moorpark, California; paternal grandparents, James and Gail Kantaris of Mason City; nephew and God-son, Kellen Kantaris; special friend, Jenny Winder of Janesville; special aunt and God-mother, Kalliope Eaton and husband Mark of Nora Springs; God-father, John Muth and wife Lu of Fort Madison; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and Joshuas dog, Rico.

Joshua was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Alex and Ethel Despenas.